Senior Coffee Culture & Lifestyle Correspondent
altinpelid Solutions Ltd
"Coffee isn't just a beverage in Turkey — it's a conversation, a ritual, and increasingly, a craft. Over the past decade, I've watched Istanbul's café culture transform from traditional coffeehouses to cutting-edge third-wave roasteries. The story of specialty coffee here is the story of Turkey itself: honoring heritage while embracing innovation."
Twelve years exploring Turkey's specialty coffee landscape — from sourcing single-origin beans to documenting barista craftsmanship across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Deep knowledge of artisan roasters and independent coffee shops transforming Turkey's café landscape. Understanding single-origin bean sourcing, flavor profiling, and the philosophy behind specialty coffee.
Certified in espresso preparation and sensory coffee evaluation through the Specialty Coffee Association. Expertise in flat white, cortado, cold brew, and traditional Turkish coffee preparation methods.
Appreciation for the artistry and technical skill behind modern barista work. Understanding how consistency, technique, and creativity shape the café experience.
Bridging traditional Turkish coffee heritage with contemporary third-wave practices. Documenting how specialty coffee represents Turkey's modern identity while respecting its rich cultural roots.
Extensive research across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Finding cozy corners for remote work, understanding the social role of modern cafés, and exploring independent shops that define each city's character.
Degree in Food Science from Boğaziçi University providing scientific understanding of flavor chemistry, extraction methods, and the sensory science behind specialty coffee.
2009–2014
Emre's journey into specialty coffee began during university years in Istanbul. While pursuing a degree in Food Science at Boğaziçi University, he worked part-time at a small roastery in Balat, transitioning from casual café-goer to dedicated enthusiast. This period shaped his understanding of coffee science and ignited his passion for the craft.
2014–2016
Following graduation, Emre completed certifications in espresso preparation and sensory coffee evaluation through the Specialty Coffee Association. He documented Turkey's transformation from a country known solely for traditional Turkish coffee to a vibrant hub for third-wave café culture, building relationships with award-winning baristas across major cities.
2016–2018
His breakthrough came in 2016 with a feature series on Ankara's emerging artisan roasters that gained widespread recognition. This led to speaking engagements at international coffee conferences, partnerships with SCA-certified training facilities, and established him as a trusted voice bridging traditional and contemporary coffee cultures in Turkey.
2019–Present
Since joining altinpelid Solutions Ltd in 2019, Emre has deepened his impact as Senior Coffee Culture & Lifestyle Correspondent. He continues documenting the rise of independent roasters, conducting in-depth interviews with baristas, and exploring how specialty coffee spaces serve as hubs for remote work and community gathering across Turkey's major cities.
What drives Emre is the authentic story behind each coffee—from Ethiopian Yirgacheffe sourcing to the precise technique required for latte art consistency. He approaches specialty coffee not as a trend but as a cultural bridge, helping readers understand how single-origin beans, brewing methods, and cozy café spaces represent Turkey's modern identity while respecting its rich coffee heritage.
His writing combines technical precision with approachable storytelling, making complex flavor profiles and barista craftsmanship accessible to both enthusiasts and newcomers exploring Turkey's coffee scene. Over the past decade, he's witnessed Istanbul transform from a city of traditional coffeehouses to a destination for third-wave roasteries, and he's committed to documenting this evolution with authenticity and depth.
When not researching the next café story or cupping beans, Emre can be found in cozy corners across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir—remote work laptop in hand, searching for that perfect combination of excellent coffee, quiet atmosphere, and genuine hospitality.
Explore Emre's latest explorations of Turkey's specialty coffee culture, barista techniques, and cozy café spaces.
Discover the skill, precision, and creativity behind modern latte art. We explore how consistency, temperature control, and microfoam technique separate casual coffee from crafted experiences at Istanbul's finest cafés.
Read ArticleUnderstanding single-origin sourcing and flavor chemistry. From Ethiopian highlands to Colombian mountains, we unpack how terroir, altitude, and processing methods shape the coffee in your cup.
Read ArticleWhat's the real difference between these espresso-based drinks? We break down ratios, milk textures, and flavor profiles to help you understand what makes each drink unique at modern Turkish cafés.
Read ArticleThe best cafés offer more than good coffee—they provide atmosphere, reliable WiFi, and that indefinable sense of belonging. We've scouted the cozy corners across Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir that work beautifully for focused work.
Read ArticleBrowse all articles about specialty coffee culture, third-wave roasteries, and cozy café discoveries across Turkey. Or reach out directly if you'd like to discuss coffee, collaborate on stories, or simply chat about the perfect espresso shot.
